Mental Breakdown

Do you ever feel like your life is in a rut? You wake up and do the same thing every single day. Some days I feel like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day and it’s just a continuous cycle. I wake up get ready for work, drag Connor out of bed, make T’s lunch for the day, he makes our coffee….we go off to work. I’m always running late. My anxiety level is always at the max.

We’ve been coming home after work and just fall on the sofa. I’ve been upset with myself because I haven’t been exercising or eating right lately. I just ordered pants in a size bigger. Ugh. Life just takes over and you begin to just live each day in a trance. I don’t remember all of what I did yesterday….and if you asked me today I don’t even know if I would remember what I wore or ate for lunch.

I feel so scattered and I don’t have myself together. We have all been battling a bad congestion and cold for the last few weeks. I’m on a second round of antibiotics and hopefully this will do the trick.

I’ve lost track of how to manage my life and time. I find myself in “zombie mode”. Isn’t that sad? I’ve also fallen behind on church and prayer and reading my Bible. I can tell this is affecting my spirit and it probably comes out in my blog as well. It’s easy for Satan to break in and start to chisel away at your heart.  I’ve been over committing to do things….but at what cost? If those things take time away from my family then is it worth it?

I already work a full time job, but it seems like my blog is turning into a second job. I don’t what that to happen….I want to blog for the love of blogging. I want to document our life and love for each other. The special moments in life I never want to forget. Something I’ve lost track of doing lately. I’m still going to do things to bring in a little income every now and then, but once again it comes down to that ever so sensitive subject of BALANCE.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE IT ALL?

I’m not where I want to be spiritually or personally right now….but I don’t know where to pick back up. I’ve noticed lately I’ve had a lot of bitterness in my heart. Who does that benefit? No one. I don’t know why I feel this way, but my emotions are starting to affect not just me, but others as well. If I’ve said or done anything to hurt anyone un-knowingly I’m sorry. It’s not you it is me.

Today is a blessing. I want to live each day fully and conscientiously, knowing that we are not promised tomorrow. I constantly fall short….but I know I am forgiven. Thank you Lord for your love and forgiveness, for I am not perfect by any means, but I am blessed.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Back to School with MetroPCS {$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway!}

I am the proud owner of a new Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G. This phone is pretty nifty I must say! I’ve been using in for a few days now, and I really like the features on this particular phone.

In fact the last 3 phones I’ve owned have been Samsung phones. They’ve all been great phones, and I’ve never had problems in the digital age we are living in it’s almost impossible to go a day without a cell phone. I’ve left mine at home before, and I feel so LOST all day without it. I didn’t realize how much I relied on my phone until I didn’t have it with me.

Now that school is right around the corner I’m sure all those teens and tweens must have their cell phones at all times. Your child having a cell phone can also benefit you as a parent. It can help you stay in touch with your kids while they are on the go, at school, and at and other activities. A cell phone can give you peace of mind to know that if an emergency were to occur your child would have a way to call for help.

MetroPCS has the nation’s most affordable 4G LTE service, with the plans starting at $40-taxes and regulatory fees included. MetroPCS is the only provider that can offer no contracts and offer 4G LTE at an unmatched value. You have the freedom to choose any plan and any device and change at any time to fit your lifestyle and evolving needs. Not only do we use our cell phones to make calls and texts, we use it for so many other things in our daily lives. We use it as an alarm, a music player, a GPS system; we search the Internet and take photos. You can play millions of songs through Rhapsody Unlimited Music and download movies, TV shows, apps and more on the Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G.

All of these features are available in the Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G to keep you connected to everything you care about. And for just $199 (+ tax and after mail-in rebate, for a limited time).

I remember the feeling I had as a teenager when I got my first cell phone. I was so excited that my parents trusted me with it, and I felt secure knowing I had a way to reach anyone at any time. Making the decision to buy a cell phone for yourself or your child can be a big leap. You will feel better knowing if you choose MetroPCS you aren’t tied down. You get the freedom you want and the cell phone you need.

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Pepperidge Farm: Feeding Families for 75 Years

Crunchy, smiling Goldfish crackers. Elegant and decadent Milano cookies. Golden, flaky Puff Pastry. Classically simple Herb Seasoned Stuffing. Delicately sweet Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread.

Few brands have a larger portfolio than Pepperidge Farm, which is known and loved for its many products touching the lives of families across the globe. It all began with a humble loaf of bread, which Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin baked in her rural Connecticut kitchen. Created in 1937 to address her son’s allergy to common preservatives, Margaret’s simple recipe is the origin of a flourishing business celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
Pepperidge Farm’s heritage is rich and very much alive today as the company—founded on a mother’s love for her son—continues Margaret’s mission to deliver the very best products (from wholesome fresh bakery items to must-have snacks), many of which are staples in American homes today. 
Here are some fun facts about the company:
  • On August 15, 1937, the first “official” loaf of Pepperidge Farm all natural, whole grain bread was sold in a store for 25 cents.
  • By September 27, 1939, one million loaves of Pepperidge Farm bread had been sold.
  • Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish crackers were originally made and marketed in Switzerland as “Goldfish Tiny Crackers” before being brought to the U.S. by Margaret Rudkin in 1962.
  • The first flavors introduced stateside were Lightly Salted (Original), Cheese, Barbecue, Pizza, and Smoky.
  • The late Julia Child used to love to serve Goldfish crackers as an appetizer before dinner.
  • Pepperidge Farm is committed to accelerating snacking and baking advancements in the future as evidenced by the 34,000-sqare-foot Innovation Center opening this fall at the company’s headquarters in Norwalk, CT
  • Annually, the brand produces about 558 million Milano® cookies—enough to cross the United States more than 7 times—and bakes approximately 206 million loaves of bread 
  • Today, Pepperidge Farm employs more than 5,000 people and operates plants in nine towns
  • Each year, Pepperidge Farm uses about 390 million pounds of flour



 

Jingos! crackers– Featuring bold flavor and a snappy crunch, these brand new snack crackers are available in three varieties: zesty Lime & Sweet Chili, savory Parmesan Garlic, and smoky Fiesta Cheddar
Milano Slices and Milano Melts – The iconic Milano cookie family expands with open-faced Milano Slices in Salted Pretzel – a temptingly crunchy combination of sweet and salty flavors – and Milano Melts Vanilla Crème – a crispy, chocolaty cookie with a velvety filling




Goldfish – Everyone loves Goldfish® crackers – tasty, fun wholesome treats. The Snack That Smiles Back ®
Pepperidge Farm products are a staple in our home.  It seems like every time we go to the grocery store we come back with at least a few Pepperidge Farm items.  It’s a brand we love and trust.  I recently got to try a few of their new products and let me tell you about them……

I loooooved these Milano Melts.  I’m a chocoholic and these definitely hit the spot for me!
 The Salted Pretzel Milano slices were to die for!

We also tried some Jingos!  Can I just say how much I love saying that word?  My favorite were the Fiesta Cheddar.  These would be great if you are throwing a party or a get together.

And we cannot forget about the most important staple to any two year old on planet Earth.
GOLDFISH.
Connor’s favorite thing ever.
He’s crazy for them and we can’t leave home without it.

Thank you Pepperidge Farm for all the yummy quality products you’ve made for us over the past 75 years.  We thank you for feeding our families and keeping our bellies full!

This review was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.http://www.pepperidgefarm.com/

Vacationing with a Two Year Old

We had so much fun at Shrek Fest this past weekend, but let me tell you vacationing with a two year old is crazy town!  Anytime you are away from home and in a new place your child is going to get excited and over stimulated.  That’s just the way it is. 
I would suggest bringing lots of snacks.  Hotels are expensive and I’m not buying Connor a $4 beverage everywhere we go.  Also, I know this sounds silly, but a child “leash” is good as well.  Connor tends to run off.  It scares me because there people everywhere!  It makes me feel better knowing I can hang onto him. 
If we are going to be in the car for a significant amount of time we bring the DVD player.  That thing is a life saver!  Lots of books and toys are always on hand as well.  We keep a stash of extra diapers and wipes in our car for emergencies.  Don’t forget your child’s favorite lovey or blanket, because they’ll be away from home these items can be comforting to them.
We had such a great trip and I loved seeing the excitement in Connor’s eyes.   It made it all worthwhile.  While some things didn’t go how I had expected, we had a blast!  I am a major planner and our dinner lasted longer than expected so we missed the meet and greet with Shrek.  While you can’t prepare for everything you can try and make life a little easier.  I know we aren’t going to be eating our best while on vacation.  We brought along some Culturelle Kids! Packets.   They help reduce digestive upset, support natural defenses, and provide a solution for digestive discomfort and poor health. 

I take probiotics and I was excited to learn that Culturelle Kids! Had one for Connor too!  Probiotics are a great thing to take daily.  Probiotics are good for you microorganisms. They help your body with certain functions especially in the digestive area.  I mix one packet with Connor’s drink and he doesn’t even know it’s in there!  I know I’m giving him something beneficial to his health and that makes me happy.

I hope you all have great summer vacations and enjoy the time with your family and friends because school is right around the corner! 

“I was given Culturelle Kids! To try for this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.”

Shrek Fest at The Gaylord Texan

We had a great time this weekend at the Gaylord Texan for Fun with Shrek and Friends.  I entered a contest with Fort Worth Child Magazine and WON!!!  They called me last week and yesterday after work off we went…..

If you are attending Blissdom 2013 this is where you’ll be!  The Gaylord is HUGE!  Like so big you’ll need a map to get around.  It’s a super nice hotel with lots of great restaurants.  Everything is right there so you’ll hardly have to leave.  If you aren’t getting a room parking is $17 a day…just FYI.  If you have a room parking is free with your room card.  The amenities are great and the food is wonderful, but I’d say the average plate at each restaurant is around $15-$20.  So unless you plan on driving off the grounds or bringing snacks plan to budget for food.
Okay so here is a recap of our trip (Prepare for picture overload!)

 Our Room
 The Bathroom

The view from our room.  Last night they had an amazing fireworks show we could see from our balcony.

 Connor checking out his Shrek book
 Connor got some Shrek ears 🙂
 This is check in area

 Off we go!
 The atrium in the middle of the hotel

 A statue…no wait he’s real!  This dude was funny he would scare little girls and jump up really fast.

 They also had a huge train set in the atrium.  Connor was obsessed with the trains.

 Fiona’s Cookie Castle

 These chocolate chip cookies were bigger than my hand
 Waiting for the parade to start

 Here he comes….it’s SHREK!!!
 along with Puss & Boots and King Julian!!!

 Those sneaky penguins from Madagascar

 We forgot the child leash…
 In the elevator on the way to our room

 This morning we all got up and got ready for breakfast with Shrek and Friends

 We got initiated as official ogars for the day
 Connor was a little bit afraid of Shrek, but we got a photo with Daddy 🙂
 Drinking our green slime!!!!

The breakfast buffet was amazing!  Complete with everything you could ask for including a made to order omelet bar. 

 Shrek waffles

 The green chocolate fountain
 Puss and Boots came by to say hi!

Thank you Gaylord and Fort Worth Child Magazine we had a GREAT time!!!
xoxo

Friday Mish Mash

Today’s Show Us Your Life houses is back patios…..er….ours is not much to look at right now, but I’m hoping someday we can spruce this baby up.  Right now we just have firewood, the mower, grill, and looky!  A trampoline!  Ha ha!

Any ideas on what you would do out here?  I haven’t a clue…..
I know a lot of you are great decorators.  I think even a bistro set like this one would be awesome.  My favorite are those bouncy chairs….whatever table and chair set we do get someday.  It must have the bouncy chairs.
Our front yard is white and purple because we are TCU fans!

I’m also linking up today with Fabulous But Evil’s Nail Files
I’m wearing a light coat of NYC gray in “Sidewalkers”
&
Essie Luxe Effects silver glitter 🙂
In other news…
This is Connor and Ellie sharing an ice cream cone yesterday.
They love each other so much and share EVERYTHING 🙂 
Including ice cream licks!

We won a 2 night stay at the Gaylord Texan for Shrek Feast!  I am SOOOOO excited!  Connor is going to be beside himself.  I’ll take lots of pics and if you’re coming for Blissdom next spring then I will take some pics of the hotel so you can see where you’ll be staying.

 Happy Weekend Everyone!!!
 AND- Last but not least…..

Dear Santa please bring me a Sprinkles cupcakes ATM.  I really REALLY want one. You can have one too at $4 a cupcake!  Geesh! 

Potty Training: HELP!

Yes, that is yours truly in the potty training chair.  I don’t know where this was taken but obviously somebody wasn’t too happy about it!  Judging from the shag carpet and the rock wall behind me it was a looooooong time ago and now I feel old. 

So the time has come and we’ve been talking about the issue of “potty training”.  Honestly I think this scares me more than Connor.  First time parent nerves I guess.  He has used the potty several times.  It’s just not consistent. 

Do ya’ll have any potty training tips or advice you would like to give this Mama that helped you out?

I know everyone says it will happen when they are ready, but he seems genuinely interesting in using the potty right now so we thought why not?  He also spends all day with his cousin Ellie who is already potty trained.  He sees her using the potty and knows she doesn’t wear diapers, so he’s already exposed to “this is what you do when you use the potty” type things.

I would never push him….that is not my goal here.  I’m just saying if he’s taken interest then why not try?  And lets face it…..not buying diapers anymore would be awesome too 🙂